It’s an offseason of change for the Kansas City Chiefs, and for good reason. Following a disastrous 6-11 campaign, not many stones should be left unturned.
In regards to the coaching staff, that’s applicable at various levels. Multiple members of head coach Andy Reid’s staff aren’t returning for 2026-27.
On Thursday, it was revealed that another one bit the dust.
Chiefs Fire Running Backs Coach After Disappointing 2025-26 Campaign
Per a January 15 report on X from Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star, running backs coach Todd Pinkston has been fired.
“There are four changes to the Chiefs coaching staff so far, per sources,” McDowell’s tweet began. “They have fired RBs coach Todd Pinkston and WRs coach Connor Embree. Louie Addazio chose to move on for the OL job at UNLV. Alex Whittingham has joined the Michigan staff. Could be more after the carousel settles, but there’s where it stands for now.”
They have fired RBs coach Todd Pinkston and WRs coach Connor Embree.
Louie Addazio chose to move on for the OL job at UNLV. Alex Whittingham has joined the Michigan staff.
Could be more after the carousel
In a tweet just minutes later, Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest confirmed the Pinkston news. He, too, added that “more changes are possible.”
McDowell and Derrick also backed the previously-known developments with Addazio and Whittingham. The former was announced as offensive line coach, and the latter has a page on the Michigan football staff directory. Those moves, in addition to Embree being relieved of his duties, set Kansas City up for a potentially hectic offseason.
Those who wanted the Chiefs to shake things up are getting their wish, at least at the lower levels. This is without even mentioning offensive and defensive coordinators Matt Nagy and Steve Spagnuolo garnering head coach buzz, nor defensive line coach Joe Cullen having an interview with the Washington Commanders for their coordinator opening.
Kansas City’s Run Game Shortcomings Capped Off By Pinkston Firing
It’s an unfortunate end of the line for Pinkston, a former player. After his days with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and Commanders, he got into coaching. A six-year stretch as Austin Peay’s wide receivers coach got him some noteworthy experience. Following that, he jumped back into the NFL ranks by joining the Chiefs from 2023-2025, helping them win Super Bowl LVIII.
This year saw everything with Kansas City’s rushing attack come to a head. While they ranked seventh in EPA per rush, according to SumerSports, much of that was influenced by quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ scrambles. The individual parts, aside from him, were just as bad as the sum.
A lack of chunk plays on the ground limited the Chiefs. As a team, they ranked 32nd — dead last — in rushes of at least 20 yards with three. Among 49 running backs with 100 or more carries, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt ranked 46th and 47th, respectively, in explosive rush rate (3.39% and 3.07%).
Some believe it’d be wise to consider a running back early in the 2026 NFL Draft. There’s no shortage of mocks projecting a top-10 selection of Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, but that’d be a bold decision. Perhaps a more realistic avenue is free agency. That field, prior to any re-signings, holds names like Travis Etienne, Javonte Williams, Rico Dowdle, Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, J.K Dobbins and more.
Regardless, something will have to happen. Now, whoever enters the fold this offseason will have someone other than Pinkston leading the way in terms of instruction.
Report: Chiefs Fire Andy Reid Assistant Coach, More Moves ‘Possible’